Palm Beach Juvenile Correctional Facility Spring Graduation
Eighteen students completed high school and graduated from the Palm Beach Juvenile Correctional Facility (PBJ) during recent ceremonies. Keynote speaker Bradley J. Harper of Olds, Stephens, and HarperLaw Firm used his unique talents and knowledge to inspire the graduating students with words of wisdom marked by a challenge to continue an upward path. Attorney Harper specifically told the students about the importance of continuous learning. “Find your passion and continue to believe in yourselves,” he stated. “Don’t let anyone else define you, but maintain your integrity, and above all—use your creativity and dream big—but always remember to give back to society,” he added. He told them they don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful participants in the community.
Palm Beach Juvenile Correctional Facility is one of 51 high schools in the Palm Beach County School District. The 118- bed residential treatment facility for male offenders between the ages of 13-18 is operated by Youth Services International (YSI) for the Department of Juvenile Justice. The average length of stay for the youth is 9-12 months. YSI offers many services to residential youth with the educational services provided through the District. While in this facility, students can complete applicable requirements and receive either a Standard High School diploma or a Performance Based Exit Option Diploma.
Families and friends joined District dignitaries who were on hand at the ceremony to celebrate the students achievement. For further details, contact Graduation/Career Coach Alma Horne, 561-681-5937 or alma.horne@palmbeachschools.org .
